C.F. MARTIN & CO. INTRODUCES HUNTER HAYES AS NEW BRAND AMBASSADOR

NAZARETH, PA - C. F. Martin & Co. is thrilled to welcome the multitalented artist, songwriter, producer and performer Hunter Hayes as the company's newest brand ambassador! A 2012 ACM New Artist of the Year nominee, the Louisiana-born multi-instrumentalist has been impressing fans with his guitar prowess since receiving his first guitar from Robert Duvall at age six. Having already performed with some of country music's greatest stars-from June and Johnny Cash to Charlie Daniels, Keith Urban and Taylor Swift- Hayes has an astonishing array of accomplishments under his guitar strap and becoming a Martin brand ambassador can now be added to that list. Hayes will take his Martin 42-style instrument with him on the road this fall when he joins Carrie Underwood on her 2012 "Blown Away" tour.

"It is an absolute honor to be named an official Martin Ambassador and to be recognized by the Martin family. To me, the Martin brand is a name I can trust," said Hunter Hayes. "They make timeless guitars and prove themselves time and again with their elegant tone and sound. The craftsmanship that goes into every piece is one that has shaped some of my favorite music, and is certainly at the forefront of my own sound. I can't wait to show off my new Parlor 42-style model on the road!"

"We are excited to add Hunter Hayes to our ever-growing list of new brand ambassadors," said Amani Duncan, vice president of brand marketing, C.F. Martin & Co. ""Hunter is a naturally-gifted performer whose songwriting and dynamic live performances have made him one of the brightest new stars to emerge from Nashville. Hunter is a perfect addition to our rich roster of Martin players and we are excited to have him as a member of the Martin Guitar family."

"Hayes will also join the growing list of Martin brand ambassadors who have had the unique opportunity to collaborate with Martin's acclaimed custom shop to create his own artist custom model this summer. "Hunter is really in love with our "parlor" guitars," said Fred Greene, vice president and general manager of guitars, C.F. Martin & Co. "So we decided a 42-style instrument with a Koa back and sides and an Adirondack top will be a perfect fit for him. Hunter will do a great job of creating a vision for this model and his fans will love seeing a custom model that have the input of one of their favorite artists."

Hayes is earning rave reviews for his self-titled debut album on Atlantic Records, which showcases his musical gifts as a songwriter, musician and producer. Hayes cites an eclectic group of influences who have inspired him since he started writing songs as a child, some of them being fellow Martin ambassadors, from Garth Brooks and Clint Black to John Mayer and Stevie Ray Vaughn.

For more information on Hunter Hayes: www.HunterHayes.com

About Martin Guitar

C.F Martin & Co. (www.martinguitar.com) has been creating the finest instruments in the world for over 175 years. It continues to innovate, introducing techniques and features that have become industry standards including X-bracing, the 14-fret guitar and the "Dreadnought" size.

One of the world's leading acoustic instrument makers, Martin guitars are hand-made by skilled craftsmen and women, who use a combination of new design and techniques along with those introduced by the company founder.

The company is also known for producing high-quality, popular acoustic guitar strings. These include the Martin SP® LIFESPAN™ line - the fastest-growing treated string in the industry, and the Martin SP line - which uses an industry leading core wire to hold tunings better.

Martin guitars and Martin Strings are the instruments and strings of choice for musicians around the world, from the icons of rock, country, folk and bluegrass to those just beginning their careers. They can be seen across all segments of pop culture, from television (Glee, Psych, Raising Hope and American Idol) to the movies; on Broadway and in books, online, and gracing the covers of popular magazines on newsstands everywhere. Connect with Martin and Martin Strings on Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, YouTube and via www.martinguitar.com and www.martinstrings.com.

Media Contacts:Aliza RabinoffDKC for Martin Guitar212-981-5157
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